NBA Suspends JR Smith Five Games for Violating Drug Policy

New York Knicks guard JR Smith is facing a five-game suspension for having violated the NBA/NBPA’s Anti-Drug Program. Per the NY Daily News: “The same source indicated that Smith did not test positive for a performance-enhancing drug. If the league suspends Smith for five games that would suggest that he tested positive for marijuana since the NBA’s drug policy calls for a suspension only after a third positive test. A second offense results in a $25,000 fine while first positive test calls for the player to enter a program. Smith, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, is currently recovering from knee surgery and is not expected to be ready for the Knicks Oct. 30 regular season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. If Smith is suspended it is unclear if the suspension will begin with the first game of the 2013-14 regular season or if it will begin when Smith is healthy enough to play. Smith is no stranger to trouble, having already been suspended a total 17 games by the NBA during his time with the Denver Nuggets. In 2006, NBA Commissioner David Stern suspended Smith 10 games for his involvement in a brawl against the Knicks. In August 2009, Smith was suspended seven games after he pleaded guilty to a reckless driving charge for a 2007 auto accident that resulted in the death of a passenger.”